The report last week by the U.S Surgeon General about the even more damaging effects of smoking – that brief exposures to even second-hand smoke can cause immediate and significant problems for your body – should light a fire under discussions in Shelby County about creating a smoking policy for restaurants.

The report last week by the U.S Surgeon General about the even more damaging effects of smoking – that brief exposures to even second-hand smoke can cause immediate and significant problems for your body – should light a fire under discussions in Shelby County about creating a smoking policy for restaurants.

Tuesday of this week marked the 69th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Indeed, Dec. 7, 1941 has become, just as President Roosevelt proclaimed, “a date which will live in infamy.” Other dates and events are embedded into the fabric of our country as well: July 4, 1776. Nov. 22, 1963 (when JFK was assassinated). Jan. 28, 1986 (the day the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded). Sept. 11,2001.

The reasons why we serve are as varied and diverse as the American men and women who wear our nation’s uniforms.

There are those who serve for personal pride and a yearning to give back to their community and to stand against those that threaten their home. Others serve for the tangible benefits of an education and financial stability.

Many of you probably are wondering, perhaps in perplexity or blissful ignorance, about why it is such a big deal that the gym and basketball court at Shelby County High School have been named in honor of iconic athletic star Mike Casey.

Many of you – dare I say most? – weren’t around Shelby County nearly 50 years ago, when Casey was establishing himself as a humble hero for the masses of boys and girls and the young and old who flocked to see him play.